Kaylar village, in the middle of Inle Lake in Southern Shan State, Myanmar, was significantly affected by the earthquake that struck Myanmar in March 2025. The already deteriorated water supply system, relied on by villagers for daily water needs and drinking, was particularly hard hit. To sustainably restore and improve the water supply service, MSF supported the construction of a 4.5 kilometre pipeline, the drilling of a 190-metre-deep borehole as a clean water source, the installation of a water pumping station, and the connection of pipelines to the water purification system.
The water-and-sanitation focused project was also important to help restore dignity, prevent water-related diseases, and strengthen the health of the community as a whole.
Long-standing Kaylar resident Ko Zaw Myo Htut spoke at the inauguration event in October 2025 about the challenges the villagers had faced accessing clean water, and the impact of MSF’s work for the community. Watch the video to hear from Ko Zaw Myo Htut and see the lake environment that sustains life in Kaylar village.
Transcript
ON SCREEN TEXT: Inle Lake, Myanmar
The inauguration of the Kaylar pipeline, part of MSF's initiative to provide clean, drinkable water to local residents, took place on 15 October 2025 in the Kaylar village, Nyaung Shwe Township.
Ko Zaw Myo Htut, Kaylar resident
“Thirty years ago, our village, situated in the middle of the lake, had no difficulty accessing clean water as the lake water was pure and clean. However, over the past fifteen years, the water quality in the lake has deteriorated significantly.
“The increased use of chemical fertilisers by local residents, and the expansion of nearby farms, have led to fertiliser runoff flowing into the lake contaminating the water. In the past, lake water had a neutral pH of 7. Now the pH has increased to 8.3-8.5, making the water unsuitable for drinking or general use, making the water unsuitable. Unfortunately, some community members remain unaware of this change.
“After the earthquake, the village's water storage tank was severely damaged. Furthermore, the water purification providers that previously supplied the clean water to the community were also heavily affected and required extensive repair. The village's water purification system was insufficient to meet fully the needs of all the community.
“Moreover, the system’s water source was the lake, that has become too contaminated with chemicals, making the system unsustainable in the long run. After the earthquake, donors supplied drinking water to the community, but this was not sustainable as a long-term solution.
“We can now feel reassured about the village's access to clean water. A long pipeline has been installed, sourcing already clean water from a deep borehole, and we have a purification system for drinking water. To ensure sustainability and proper maintenance of this system, we will establish a committee formed of local residents.”
ON SCREEN TEXT: Now, nearly 5,000 people in the village have access to clean and safe water.
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